Ronán Kelleher on Munster clash: 'It is a healthy rivalry'

Michael Bolton

Ireland and Leinster hooker Ronán Kelleher says the squad selection helped the British and Irish Lions gel quickly to win the tour in Australia.

Kelleher played in all three tests against Australia as Andy Farrell's side won the series 2-1, having been a late call-up to South Africa as cover but not playing in any games.

Coming on as a replacement for Dan Sheehan in all three games, the 27-year-old enjoyed his role in the tour, which contained a large contingent from Ireland and Leinster.

"It was an unbelievable country to tour.

"As big as it was for me, it was just as big for my family. They went over and really enjoyed it; they were there for about four weeks.

"It is a unique experience. You are getting to meet all the other international players you would come up against across every Six Nations, going to battle against them.

"It was a pleasure to be a part of and get the win as well."

In the first Lions tour with crowds since 2017, the British and Irish Lions could experience life outside of rugby on a normal basis.

Being on the other side of the world with a large squad, some of whom Kelleher would not have met off the pitch, he says "no dickheads" included helped the squad gel quickly.

"I think what the management and coaches did well, everyone was a good person first and foremost.

"Everyone loved spending time with the group and getting to know each other, so I think the management did well picking the right players, there were no dickheads among the group, everyone was a good person that brought into it straight away.

"The best teams I have been apart of, have been really tight off the pitch. They push massively to try and get you close as possible off the pitch."

Attention will turn quickly to Croke Park, where Leinster take on rivals Munster.

Kelleher has been named to start the game, and is looking forward to coming up against familiar faces.

Munster have won three game from three under their new management, while Leinster are playing catch up after winning their first game of the season last weekend against the Sharks.

"It is a healthy rivalry, really. You want bragging rights, naturally, we know the lads very well.

"There are a few lads that have moved down there recently, so it will be cool to see them, but also about getting the win over them.

"They have had a bright start to the season in contrast to us. They look sharp, it will be a tough game but one we will all be relishing."

In two weeks' time, Irish eyes will be on Chicago as Ireland play the All Blacks, nine years on from the famous first win over New Zealand.

Japan, South Africa, and Australia will be the visitors to Dublin in the weeks that follow, in Andy Farrell's first games in charge of Ireland in a year.

Having had time away from Ireland in preparation for the Lions, Kelleher is unsure if Farrell will change his ways with Ireland.

"We have been on our own path over the last couple of years with this group, so I am not sure if he will bring stuff in from the Lions he would have picked up on.

"It is about trying to be better every time we meet up together as a group. If that means bringing stuff in, great, brilliant, I am sure we will be all open to it and looking forward to getting better."